An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
